tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388665682014-10-02T21:25:58.304-07:00CardiagraMysterious Medical Cases and OdditiesCrabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-86501005014583016232007-06-18T22:35:00.000-07:002007-06-18T22:38:35.788-07:00Busy!It may appear that we are neglecting this blog! In a way, it IS being ignored. Posts will resume in the near future!<br /><br />If there are any topics you would like to see covered, please leave a comment!<br /><br />See you soon!Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-4150862023416114962007-05-29T12:56:00.001-07:002008-12-30T12:21:34.618-08:00Werewolf Syndrome aka Congenital Generalized Hypertrichosis<span style="font-weight: bold;">Werewolf Syndrome</span>, or, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Congenital Generalized </span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hypertichosis</span> is an extremely rare genetic disorder, causing hair follicles to work overtime!<p class="MsoNormal"> In earlier eras, people afflicted with CGH would stay indoors during the day, going out only at night, to avoid being ostracized. Because of this behavior, people began to associate these unfortunate folks with werewolves, thus the vulgar name of <span style="font-style: italic;">Werewolf Syndrome</span>. CGH is characterized, in its severest form, by thick hair covering the entire body, sparing the palms of the hands, and soles of the feet! Researchers believe the cause to be a genetic mutation, or an “awakening” of a very old, dormant gene-harkening back in evolution to hairier times!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">CGH is extremely rare, with only about 50 documented cases since the Middle Ages. One of the first documented cases was found in French King Henry II’s court! King Henry was highly interested in human oddities and quirks of nature, and in 1547 was given, as a gift, a 10 year old boy who appeared to be half human, half animal. Four inch, thick blond fur covered his entire body, except for lips and eyes. The boy’s name was Pedro Gonzales, born in the <st1:place>Canary Islands</st1:place>. Pedro married a lovely French woman, and fathered many children, five of which inherited their father's genetic defect. Many portraits were painted of this unusual family-some still hang in the<span style=""> </span><st1:place><st1:placename>Ambras</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Castle</st1:placetype></st1:place>, near <st1:place><st1:city>Innsbruck</st1:city>, <st1:country-region>Austria</st1:country-region></st1:place>. <span style=""> </span>Since then, known cases have appeared in <st1:country-region><st1:place>China</st1:place></st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region><st1:place>Poland</st1:place></st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region><st1:place>Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region><st1:place>Russia</st1:place></st1:country-region>, and <st1:country-region><st1:place>Mexico</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><br />Researchers are familiar with other atavistic genetic behavior. Some rare examples include additional nipples, and small tail-like extrusions at the end of the spine. The defective gene in CGH is passed by both sexes, to 50% of their offspring. Typically, fetuses lose their fine body hair, called lanugo, by the end of the seventh and eight month of gestation. Babies afflicted with CGH are born with this body hair intact, which occasionally fades in adulthood, but typically lastis a lifetime.<br /></p> <p><o:p> </o:p><br /><span style=""> </span>Currently, the best known cases of CGH occurs in a family living in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Mexico</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Sadly, much of this family has resorted to working in circuses and “freak” shows to earn a living. This Mexican family grows an even thicker, darker body hair than their Asian, and European counterparts. Men have thicker and denser hair than the women in this family, suggesting an X-linked dominant pattern of inheritance. </p> <p><o:p> </o:p><br />“"This is probably a mutation of a gene that was a sleeping beauty," said Dr. Jose M. Cantu, head of genetics at the Mexican Institute for Social Security in <st1:city><st1:place>Guadalajara</st1:place></st1:city>, an author of the new report. "The mutation awakened a gene that had been put aside during evolution." </p> <p>But Dr. Cantu and his colleagues emphasized that the idea of generalized hypertrichosis as an atavistic mutation was only a theory. "At this point it's strictly speculation, though the idea is a very interesting one," said Dr. Pragna I. Patel of the <st1:place><st1:placename>Human</st1:placename> <st1:placename>Genome</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, another author of the report, which appears in the June issue of Nature Genetics. </p> <p>Biologists have observed many other mutations that they suggest fall into this class of atavisms, the reappearance of normally dormant traits. Some people are born with multiple sets of nipples, for example, just as most nonprimate mammals have a double ridge of mammary tissue down the length of the underside of the torso. In very rare cases, girls develop entire extra breasts at puberty. </p> <p>Other examples of atavistic mutations include the extension of the human coccyx into a small tail, the appearance of hind limbs in whales and the growth of extra toes on horses and cats. </p> <p>"Atavistic mutations tell us that a lot of information is kept around for a very long time," said Dr. Brian K. Hall, a developmental biologist at <st1:place><st1:placename>Dalhousie</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>University</st1:placetype></st1:place> in <st1:place><st1:city>Halifax</st1:city>, <st1:state>Nova Scotia</st1:state></st1:place>. "Just because an animal isn't using a gene anymore doesn't mean the information just disappears." Dr. Hall wrote a commentary about atavistic mutations that appears with the report on hypertrichosis.”</p> <p><a href="http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CE5D91130F932A05756C0A963958260&amp;sec=health&amp;spon=&amp;pagewanted=print">http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CE5D91130F932A05756C0A963958260&amp;sec=health&amp;spon=&amp;pagewanted=print</a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Read an interview with Chuy, a Mexican man with hypertrichosis.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.listentome.net/stuff97.php">http://www.listentome.net/stuff97.php</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><br />Five TV’s article on Chuy:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.five.tv/programmes/hiddenlives/wolfboy/">http://www.five.tv/programmes/hiddenlives/wolfboy/<o:p></o:p></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.five.tv/programmes/hiddenlives/wolfboy/"><o:p></o:p></a><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p><o:p> </o:p></p> <p><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-15684917330654644862007-05-18T10:21:00.001-07:002007-05-18T10:32:14.291-07:00Google Answers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.distrimed.com/acatalog/holt_mediplogs_vert.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.distrimed.com/acatalog/holt_mediplogs_vert.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Here are more favorite Google Answers:</span><br /><br />Plantar fasciitis - do clogs or Birkenstocks help?<br /><a href="https://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=548720">https://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=548720</a><br /><br /><br />Mixing bowls-glass or plastic?<br /><a href="https://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=542785">https://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=542785</a><br /><br /><br />Whole body numbness<br /><a href="https://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=542273">https://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=542273</a><br /><br /><br />Strong Bones<br /><a href="https://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=593399">https://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=593399</a><br /><br /><br />Need change on death certificate<br /><a href="https://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=559238">https://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=559238</a>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-75495636845239255332007-05-14T16:05:00.000-07:002007-05-14T16:30:54.010-07:00Ipods and Pacemaker Malfunction?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/6/7502363_e6a9075658.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/6/7502363_e6a9075658.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTXT">The results of an Ipod's effects on cardiac pacemakers was presented recently at the </span><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTXT">Heart Rhythm Society, in Denver, Colorado. <span style="font-size:85%;">(Reported by the Denver Post). <span style="font-size:100%;">The senior author of the study was </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> Dr. Jongnarangsin.</span><br /><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />A study at </span></span></span>the Thoracic and Cardiovascular Institute at Michigan State University<span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> found that an Ipod can cause pacemakers to malfunction by causing electro-magnetic interference.<br /><br />What's interesting about this study is that it was prompted by a Jay Thaker, a high school student from Okemos, Michigan. Since Jay's mom is a rheumatologist, and his dad is an </span></span></span>electrophysiologist, his interest in physiology is not not surprising. Jay had been pondering the idea of whether an Ipod could cause interference with pacemakers. When he and his dad searched online, they found no information. (Too bad Google Answers is among the dearly departed!)<p>When asked by one of his patients if there would be a problem using an Ipod with his pacemaker, Jay's father suggested he contact Dr. Krit Jongnarangsin, an assistant professor in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Michigan.<br /></p> <p> Dr. Jongnarangsin said that most patients with pacemakers are not Ipod users, but they could have children or grandchildren who do.<br /></p> <span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTXT">The study consisted of a cohort of 83 volunteers with pacemakersand found that Ipods interfered with pacemakers about 30 per cent of the time. In one case, a pacemaker stopped working completely!<br /><br />Read more :<br />Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,131736/article.html&tk=nl_wbxnws#">http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,131736/article.html&amp;tk=nl_wbxnws#</a><br /><br />MSNBC<br /><a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18598054/">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18598054/</a><br /></span>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-72941824177288787902007-05-07T22:30:00.000-07:002007-05-07T23:06:17.926-07:00Cubital Tunnel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/73/227055792_5c4eb86b61_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/73/227055792_5c4eb86b61_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Everyone has heard about carpal tunnel these days, but few have heard about <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">cubital</span> tunnel! Cubital tunnel, like carpal tunnel syndrome, is a <span style="color:#000000;"><a name="section~introduction">compressive neuropathy, meaning nerve pain from a stretched or compressed nerve.</a></span><br /><br /><br /> Cubital tunnel is caused by pressure on the ulnar nerve, a primary nerve, supplying the hand. CT can cause numbness and tingling of the pinkie and ring fingers. Pain on the side of the arm closest to the chest can also occur in cubital tunnel.<br /><br />The ulnar nerve reaches from the spinal cord to the hand and forearm and hand, including the skin on the on the outer portion of the hand. (The pinkie side). The ulnar nerve passes over a bony portion of the elbow (medial epicondyle) and when stretched, can cause tingling, even an electrical shock feeling, in the ring finger and pinkie!<br /><br />How is cubital tunnel treated? The first step is to try and avoid bending the elbow for long periods of time. Don't lean on your elbows! Constant phone use can aggravate CT as the arm is bent while holding a phone-land line or cell! Surgery is the treatment of last resort... taking ibuprofen can help, and some claim that vitamin B6 (never more than 100mg per day) helps alleviate pain and tingling. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/45/192075688_e02b73f99f_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 327px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/45/192075688_e02b73f99f_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Another home remedy is to roll the elbow in a towel, like a pig in a blanket. Wrap the towel with surgical tape or pin with safety pins. This will keep the elbow extended, not bent. Since many people are afflicted by CT due to bending their elbows while sleeping, this will prevent them from folding their arms, and alleviating pressure on the ulnar nerve.<br /><br /><br />For more in-depth information about cubital tunnel, visit these links:<br />e-Medicine<br /><a href="http://www.emedicine.com/orthoped/topic479.htm">http://www.emedicine.com/orthoped/topic479.htm</a><br /><br /><br />Hand University<br /><a href="http://www.handuniversity.com/topics.asp?Topic_ID=8">http://www.handuniversity.com/topics.asp?Topic_ID=8</a><br /><a href="http://www.emedicine.com/orthoped/topic479.htm"> </a><br /><br /></div></div>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-39772227860626425872007-04-30T13:02:00.000-07:002007-04-30T13:23:46.516-07:00Canavan Disease<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/12/16185561_9fc87c4786_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/12/16185561_9fc87c4786_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo courtesy of Flickr <a href="http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=16185561&size=o">http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=16185561&amp;size=o</a></span><br /></div><br /><br />A rare genetic, degenerative disease, turning the brain into a spongy mush, describes Canavan disease. CD is named after Myrtelle Canavan, the researcher who in 1931 first described the condition. It afflicts infants, and death is common before the age of 4. Those that live a few years longer are prone to seizures and may suffer from blindness and paralysis. CD is most common among Ashkenazi Jews from eastern Poland, western Russia, Lithuania, and Saudi Arabians.<br /><br />Symptoms such as hypotonia(abnormal muscle tone), macrocephaly (very large head), and head lag in an infant after the age of three to five months should raise a red flag to parents.<br /><br />There is no real treatment, other than keeping the child well fed, hydrated, comfortable and maintaining an open airway.<br /><br />You can learn more about Canavan Disease here:<br />Canavan Foundation<br /><a href="http://www.canavanfoundation.org/canavan.php">http://www.canavanfoundation.org/canavan.php</a><br /><br />Information on other Jewish genetic diseases<br /><a href="http://www.canavanfoundation.org/ninediseases.php">http://www.canavanfoundation.org/ninediseases.php</a>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-25985060809219554152007-04-26T12:57:00.000-07:002007-04-26T13:11:08.770-07:00Carbonite<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/21/33199489_a4b45cbf4e.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/21/33199489_a4b45cbf4e.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Image from Flickr <a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/21/33199489_a4b45cbf4e.jpg?v=0">http://farm1.static.flickr.com/21/33199489_a4b45cbf4e.jpg?v=0</a></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do you recognize the Blue Screen of Death? If not, you will!</span></span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Today we're digressing from the usual topics to preview a product that many of us need, but didn't know about!<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.carbonite.com/aff/default.aspx?kbid=2809&img=other/unlimited_120x60.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.carbonite.com/aff/default.aspx?kbid=2809&img=other/unlimited_120x60.jpg"><img src="http://www.carbmarketing.com/kbimages/other/unlimited_120x60.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">What would you do if your computer crashed today? Can you afford to lose <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">ALL</span> your data? Did you know that computer crashes occur on the average of once every three years! Now, I've had a hard drive last me well for 10 years! But, I've also had a well used hard drive crash after 9 months use! Sadly, I often learn things the hard way, and after losing my data <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">once</span>, I vowed to never let it happen again!<br /><br />You've probably spent a lot of time organizing and collecting data on your PC or laptop. Do you do use your PC for bookkeeping? Are you writing the great American novel? Do you store family photos on your laptop? What if they were gone in a flash? If you're like me, you have a plethora of irreplaceable photos and tax and banking business stored on your hard drive. If your hard drive fails, where will you be?<br /><br />Sure, I've burned things to CDs, but I'm not the best organizer. It would be hard to locate and re-organize all my work and downloads!<br /><br />Recently I read about Carbonite Online back-up service, on the <a href="http://scrapgirls.com/">ScrapGirls</a> site. I decided if a business with a huge amount of data to store trusted this service, I would learn more! I read about it, and decided to try it. I <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">love</span> it! I was at the point of buying another external hard drive, but the size I would need would cost over $500. Carbonite costs $5 per month, with no size limits. If you pre-pay for $49 for a year, it comes to $4.16 a month! I could not buy an external drive with enough life span to beat Carbonite's price!<br /><br />Once you back up your hard drive, Carbonite does incremental back ups, meaning it will automatically back up the newest additions to your hard drive, and not start from the beginning! Stored files will have a small dot by them, so you KNOW they are backed up.<br /><br />Restoring files is a snap! Your data is encrypted before it leaves your computer, so it is secure, and Carbonite also has redundant security, so you will never lose data!<br /><br />You can Carbonite free for 15 days. The upload for the trial version is very slow, but worth it. You can still use your PC while backing up though! I highly recommend it! Click the Carbonite logo below to read more! You will be happy you did!<br /><br /><br /></div></div><br /><a href="http://www.carbonite.com/aff/default.aspx?kbid=2809&img=other/unlimited_120x60.jpg"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.carbonite.com/aff/default.aspx?kbid=2809&amp;img=other/unlimited_120x60.jpg"><img src="http://www.carbmarketing.com/kbimages/other/unlimited_120x60.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-36787155682799224882007-04-25T11:26:00.000-07:002007-04-25T11:33:09.350-07:00More Google AnswersBy request, more Google Answers!<br /><br /><br />Low-cost/Free health care in California<br /><a href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=286637">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=286637</a><br /><br /><br />Old fashioned vaporisers<br /><a href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=324631">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=324631</a><br /><br /><br />Mycosis Fungoides<br /><a href="https://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=337023">https://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=337023</a><br /><br /><br />Combat Medic Equipment, circa 1943<br /><a href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=327798">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=327798</a>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-80534195788366648302007-04-24T17:30:00.000-07:002007-04-24T17:42:58.055-07:00Mal de Debarquement (Disembarkement Syndrome)<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/386336248_a009a36109.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/386336248_a009a36109.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo from Flicker.com<br /><a href="http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=386336248&size=m">http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=386336248&amp;size=m<br /></a></span> </div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(73, 25, 94); font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(73, 25, 94); font-weight: bold;">Mal de Debarquement (Disembarkement Syndrome)</span> <span style="color: rgb(73, 25, 94);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Imagine taking the cruise of your life! You feel pleased that you gained your 'sea legs' quickly, and have a wonderful time at sea. However, after getting home, on terra firma, you still feel as if you're walking on your sea legs! You feel somewhat disoriented, you feel you are still walking on a rocking ship! You may have the following syndrome:<br /><span style="color: rgb(73, 25, 94);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(73, 25, 94);"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="color: rgb(73, 25, 94);">Disembarkement Syndrome</span><span style="color: rgb(73, 25, 94);"> is not an uncommon condition that causes a sensation of movement, after one departs a train, ship, or even after lying on a water bed. It can last weeks or years! Medical researchers do not think the problem comes from the inner ear, as in some cases of vertigo and dizziness. In fact, people who suffer from disembarkment syndrome do not experience vertigo, dizziness, nausea, or vision problems. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(73, 25, 94);"><o:p> </o:p><span style=""> </span>It is believed that the brain somehow adapts to ship/train motion, and in this condition, is unable to readjust once the motion stops. Some believe disembarkment syndrome is a variant of migraine headaches, suffered more by women, than men. Typically used motion sickness drugs, such as </span>meclizine, diphenhydrinate, and scopolamine <span style=""> </span>are ineffective. <span style="color: rgb(73, 25, 94);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(73, 25, 94);"><o:p> </o:p><span style=""> </span>Some medications such as tri-cyclic antidepressants and seizure medications offer limited efficacy. Another “remedy” is watching the horizon while walking.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(73, 25, 94);"><o:p> </o:p>According to <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Hearing Review</span>, </span>there are several theories as to why symptoms persist.</p><p> These include: <o:p></o:p></p> <p>1) Possible abnormal perception of linear acceleration, the result of a dysfunction of the otolith system—specifically the utricle; <o:p></o:p></p> <p>2) A possible hormonal imbalance having an interaction with the vestibular system and brain, which would explain the greater female prevalence of the condition; <o:p></o:p></p> <p>3) The central nervous system’s inability to integrate and adjust to the requirements of a new stable environment; <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">4) Hain, Hanna & Rheinberger<sup>7</sup> suggest that, because of the gender distribution and the late onset of the symptoms, a psychogenic origin was unlikely (however, psychogenic factors cannot be totally dismissed).<br /><span style="color: rgb(73, 25, 94);"><a href="http://www.hearingreview.com/issues/articles/2002-10_03.asp">http://www.hearingreview.com/issues/articles/2002-10_03.asp</a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(73, 25, 94);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(73, 25, 94);"><o:p> </o:p>Read about one woman’s experience here:<br /><a href="http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=5994102">http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=5994102</a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(73, 25, 94);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(73, 25, 94);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-27232011638104288352007-04-10T18:58:00.000-07:002007-04-10T19:04:43.820-07:00On Vacation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/204/454640104_db06f14200_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/204/454640104_db06f14200_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Cardiagra is on vacation for a few weeks. Please return then for more interesting medical cases!<br />Thank you!Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-75692848548837759202007-03-26T09:43:00.000-07:002007-03-26T09:46:47.805-07:00Google Answers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/103/289287726_605b841ed1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/103/289287726_605b841ed1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Retirement Syndrome</span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=775777">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=775777</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Menstrual Cycle Woes</span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=773391"><br />http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=773391</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Acute Intermittent Porphyria</span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=769628">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=769628</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Allergy or Stress?</span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=746380"><br />http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=746380</a>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-62241174192870951202007-03-24T13:39:00.000-07:002007-03-24T14:05:45.403-07:00Finlay-Marks Syndrome (SEN)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/157/431306379_9e04a925c2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/157/431306379_9e04a925c2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /> SEN, or Finlay-Marks syndrome is also called Scalp, Ear and Nipple syndrome. Characterized by scalp, ear and nipple abnormalities, Finlay-Marks Syndrome is a rare, autosomal dominant condition, whose gene locus is still unknown. Those afflicted may have bumps on the scalp, underdeveloped and hypopigmented nipples, or even lack of nipples, and cupped or folded ears. Brittle fingernails and widely spaced teeth are other manifestations of this syndrome. Fortunately fewer than 200,000 people in the US are affected.<br /><br /> There is scant information about this disease online for free.<br /><br /><br />Read more here:<br />NCBI<br /><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/dispomim.cgi?id=181270">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/dispomim.cgi?id=181270</a><br /><br /><br />If you have SEN, (or any other rare or orphan disease) please contact the Making Contact website. This site allows people with like conditions to make email contact.<br /><a href="http://www.makingcontact.org/index.php?ci=602">http://www.makingcontact.org/index.php?ci=602</a>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-24187450242156343492007-03-16T22:15:00.000-07:002007-03-16T23:03:54.555-07:00Autistic Savants<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/61/153565226_caaa0a904c.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/61/153565226_caaa0a904c.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" ><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Who hasn't seen "Rain Man" with Dustin Hoffman playing an autistic savant? The</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" > Autistic savant</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" > is afflicted by a fascinating psychological phenomena. Autistic savants are people with autism who posses extraordinary skills, beyond that of most non-affected individuals. Historically such people were termed "idiot savants", French for a very knowledgeable idiot. Savant Syndrome is sometimes shortened to "savantism" and individuals with Savant Syndrome abbreviated to </span><i style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;">savants</i><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" >.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" >Some of the exceptional skills autistic savants posses are superhuman memories, extraordinary musical skills, mathematical genious, and artistic talents.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" >"True photographic memory of the kind exhibited by Stephen Wiltshire is truly a rare but amazing gift. Mr.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" > <a id="KonaLink1" target="_top" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.autoadviceoffl.com/Braindisease.htm#"><span style="font-weight: 400; position: static; color: rgb(0, 14, 0);"><span class="kLink" style="font-weight: 400; position: static; color: rgb(0, 14, 0);">Wiltshire</span></span></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" > is an autistic savant and those that know him call him "the living camera". When he was 11 years old he drew a perfect representation of the aerial view of London after a single helicopter ride, down to the correct number of windows on the major buildings of the city."</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" >You'll find Mr. Wiltshire drawing Rome from memory after a short helicopter ride over the </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >Eternal City.</span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.autoadviceoffl.com/Braindisease.htm">http://www.autoadviceoffl.com/Braindisease.htm</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" >Read Stephen Wiltshire's bio here:</span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.stephenwiltshire.co.uk/">http://www.stephenwiltshire.co.uk/</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:130%;" >Daniel Tammet is another autistic savant. "Daniel Tammet is an autistic savant. He can perform mind-boggling mathematical calculations at breakneck speeds. But unlike other savants, who can perform similar feats, Tammet can describe how he does it. He speaks seven languages and is even devising his own language. Now scientists are asking whether his exceptional abilities are the key to unlock the secrets of autism." Interview by Richard Johnson, Guardian Unlimited</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" > </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" >http://www.guardian.co.uk/weekend/story/0,,1409903,00.html<br />+<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Image from Flickr.com <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kingofmonks/153565226/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/kingofmonks/153565226/</a></span><br /><br /><br /></span></span>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-81508732996354089072007-03-13T11:28:00.000-07:002007-03-13T11:38:40.138-07:00More Google Answers<div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/420185581_3e80c7de39.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/420185581_3e80c7de39.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Scoop on Skin Lightening Creams</span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=762880">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=762880</a> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Does Coffee Cause Dry Skin?</span> <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=759663">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=759663</a> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Ankylosing Spondylitis </span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=755590">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=755590</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Russian Orthodox Funerals</span> <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=748480">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=748480</a>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-65156132350684334342007-03-12T21:44:00.000-07:002007-03-12T22:04:01.989-07:00Munchausen Syndrome<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/419650814_bab288269b.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/419650814_bab288269b.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Munchausen Syndrome is psychiatric disorder causing the sufferer to harm her/himself, or to "invent" an illness in order to garner attention. Munchausen by proxy is a variation of the disorder, when a person inflicts harm to another. Typically this is a mother who may cause her child or some other person who may be dependent on her, to exhibit symptoms - again to draw attention to herself.<br /><br />Many Munchausen patients are very familiar with medical terms and will encourage their doctors to order tests or hospitalization. These patients are adept at faking symptoms. Detail oriented caregivers will notice that symptoms appear only after the patient is left alone! For example, a fever may appear after the patient has been alone; giving the patient time to falsely elevate their body temperature.<br /><br />The exact cause is not completely clear. Some believe it is psychological in origin, perhaps due to child neglect and/or abuse.<br /><br />Read more from the Cleveland Clinic<br /><a href="http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/2800/2821.asp?index=9833">http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/2800/2821.asp?index=9833</a>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-85756707305912062042007-03-10T09:36:00.000-08:002007-03-10T10:10:43.931-08:00Blue Skin Syndrome (Methemoblobinemia)<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/21/26250788_4765541e4c.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/21/26250788_4765541e4c.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Illustration from Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/tanakatadashi/26250788/</span><br /></div><br /><br />Until the 1960's or so, a family of French ancestry known as the Blue Fugates, lived in Kentucky. They were so called because of their blue tinted skin. The family seemed to live normally, with life spans of 80 or more years. Because it had been passed on for so many generations, it was assumed to be hereditary. Local folks thought the family suffered from heart or lung disease. In fact, these people <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">did </span>have trouble breathing and lightheadedness, but these symptoms were the result of their syndrome, and not the cause.<br /><br />We now know it was methemoglobinemia. Methemoglobinemia is primarily genetic, but one can acquire this syndrome from the intake of excessive nitrites (used to preserve meats), contaminated well water, silver nitrate (Used to treat burns and infections), ingestion of mothballs and even from eating too many carrots or spinach! (I wonder how Popeye avoided this!)<br /><br />Simply put, hemoglobin that is present in our red blood cells, carries oxygen to all parts of our body. In methemoglobinemia, the hemoglobin is unable to carry sufficient oxygen to the tissues of the body, and a bluish color of the skin occurs.<br /><br />Sometimes the blue skin color appears to be brown, especially around the lips and mucus membranes. This is known as "chocolate cyanosis", and is thought to be due to the brownish color of the blood.<br /><br /><br />Read more here:<br /><a href="http://www.mc.uky.edu/ahec/skyahec/methem-CE.htm">http://www.mc.uky.edu/ahec/skyahec/methem-CE.htm</a><br /><a href="http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic1432.htm"><br />http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic1432.htm</a>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-91680201790590698932007-03-05T10:53:00.000-08:002007-03-05T11:00:55.188-08:00Google Answers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/361833417_26a32c5b7a.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/361833417_26a32c5b7a.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />How Moles are Removed<br /><a href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=744158">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=744158</a><br /><br />Macular Degenerations and Stem Cells<br /><a href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=735450">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=735450</a><br /><br />Curing Mouth Sores<br /><a href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=714249">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=714249</a>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-85481611263189098652007-03-04T21:54:00.000-08:002007-03-04T22:35:49.080-08:00Foreign Accent Syndrome<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/36/86999278_6e9832fb25_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/36/86999278_6e9832fb25_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />This is a very rare, curious syndrome that strikes people who have had a stroke or other brain injury- multiple sclerosis has also been thought to trigger FAS. In some patients, after a stroke, they may suddenly begin speaking their native language with a foreign accent! Many of these patients claim never to have heard the language from which their accent is derived!<br /><br />The condition often clears up on its own, but many doctors believe it is more psychiatric in nature than an organically caused syndrome. Recently researchers at Oxford University have found small areas of brain damage, <span id="EWebEditProPlaceholder2"><span>affecting the pre-motor and motor areas</span></span> in patients that suffer from FAS. These minute brain injuries may be causing subtle changes to how voice is expressed-causing altered pitch or syllables with different pronunciations.<br /><br />For additional reading on Foreign Accent Syndrome:<br /><br />ASHA<br /><a href="http://www.asha.org/about/publications/leader-online/archives/2006/060815/f060815c.htm">http://www.asha.org/about/publications/leader-online/archives/2006/060815/f060815c.htm</a><br /><br />Eureka Alert<br /><a href="http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2003-11/uocf-ucd111803.php">http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2003-11/uocf-ucd111803.php</a>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-3232316205418805362007-02-21T21:30:00.000-08:002007-02-21T21:50:54.373-08:00Jumping Frenchman of Maine Disorder<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/107/313712999_79949fc7ff_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/107/313712999_79949fc7ff_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo from Flicker<br /><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/107/313712999_79949fc7ff_o.jpg">http://farm1.static.flickr.com/107/313712999_79949fc7ff_o.jpg</a></span><br /></div><br /><br />Jumping Frenchman of Maine Disorder - This disorder is caused by a mutation of the genes that regulate the nervous system, causing a person with this disorder to exhibit extremely over exagerated responses when startled.<br /><br />Another facet of this disorder is an automatic response to a command, delivered in a stern voice. For example, if someone barked an order to throw down a cup of hot coffee, the patient will do so in spite of the consequences.<br /><br /> <p>From Answers.com: "<br /></p><p>The "Jumping Frenchmen" seemed to react abnormally to sudden stimuli. Beard recorded, for instance, individuals who would obey any command given suddenly, even if it meant striking a loved one, and repeat back unfamiliar or foreign phrases uncontrollably. Beard also noticed that the condition was often shared within a family, suggesting that it was inherited.</p> <p>The interest sparked by Beard's publication about the disorder inspired <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/georges-gilles-de-la-tourette-1" class="ilnk" target="_top" onclick="assignParam('navinfo','method|4'+getLinkTextForCookie(this));">Georges Gilles de la Tourette</a> to investigate what later became known as <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/tourette-s-syndrome" class="ilnk" target="_top" onclick="assignParam('navinfo','method|4'+getLinkTextForCookie(this));">Tourette's syndrome</a>. Further studies of the condition in the 1980s, however, cast doubt on whether the "Jumping Frenchmen" phenomenon was in fact a physical condition like Tourette's. Documentation of direct observation of "Jumping Frenchmen" has been scarce, and while videotape evidence was recorded by several researchers that showed the condition to be real, <span class="brokenlink">Saint-Hilaire</span> concluded from studying eight affected people that it was brought on by conditions at their lumber camps and was psychological, not neurological."<br /><a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/jumping-frenchmen-of-maine">http://www.answers.com/topic/jumping-frenchmen-of-maine</a><br /></p>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-30835206060157759202007-02-16T20:56:00.000-08:002007-02-16T21:01:47.323-08:00More Google Answers<span style="font-weight: bold;">Retirement Syndrome</span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=775777">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=775777</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hair Treatment</span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=771120">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=771120</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Using Plastic in the Microwave</span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=286529">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=286529</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gall Bladder Surgery</span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=542751">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=542751</a>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-82754049873375633242007-02-16T19:17:00.000-08:002007-02-16T19:47:00.249-08:00Curtain Hooks & Coins<div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/Susiecrabcakes/3_21_021804_coins.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 430px;" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/Susiecrabcakes/3_21_021804_coins.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As a young college graduate, working third shift in a local hospital, I saw a lot of unusual things, and one particular repeat patient left a lasting impression on me. She swallowed things, things like curtain hooks, and large safety pins. She also inserted curtain hooks into her bladder. Today, I wish I had a collection of her x-rays! I couldn't understand why anyone would want to insert such objects inside their body. Needless to say, patients like this young woman are mentally disturbed, usually in a variety of ways.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />All types of odd things are swallowed by disturbed and intoxicated folks!<br /><br />This picture is an x-ray of a 62 year old Frenchman, who died after swallowing 350 coins!<br /><br />The complete story can be found here:<br /><a href="http://www.stunning-stuff.com/read-weird-news-stories/41.html?ci=6">http://www.stunning-stuff.com/read-weird-news-stories/41.html?ci=6</a><br /><br />Bruce Goldfarb writes about some unusual cases, such as the man who impaled a power drill in his brain. Even so, he had the where with all to press the reverse switch on the drill to remove it!<br /><a href="http://www.brucegoldfarb.com/strange.htm">http://www.brucegoldfarb.com/strange.htm</a></div>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-54287936636994847342007-02-15T21:22:00.000-08:002007-02-15T21:47:13.114-08:00Spontaneous Remission<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/Susiecrabcakes/135618851_4756ade875_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/Susiecrabcakes/135618851_4756ade875_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Breast Cancer Cells<br />Photo courtesy of Flickr<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=135618851&context=photostream&amp;size=o">http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=135618851&context=photostream&amp;size=o</a><br /><br /></span></span></span><br /><br />"<span style=";font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Memorial Sloan-Kettering President Lewis Thomas, MD, once said: "The rare but spectacular phenomenon of spontaneous remission of cancer persists in the annals of medicine, totally inexplicable but real, a hypothetical straw to clutch in the search for cure. . . . No one doubts the validity of the observation."<br /><br />"</span></span><i>Up to 19 percent of some cancers heal themselves, researchers discover. It baffles doctors — but it may be the key to understanding the power of the mind."<br /></i><a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/1/prweb332593.htm">http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/1/prweb332593.htm</a><br /><br /><br />Placebo effect or some biochemical connection?<br /><br />" A number of papers discuss possible mechanisms by which spontaneous remission of cancer might occur. The most popular suggestion is some form of immunological reaction, though this is still unproven (Lokich J, 1997; Heim ME, Kobele C, 1995). There seems to be a connection between fever and remission of cancer (Murakawa M et al., 1990); fever in childhood or adulthood may protect against the later onset of cancer and spontaneous remissions are often preceded by feverish infections (Kleef R et al., 2001). The case of remission following myxoedema coma (Hercbergs A, 1999) suggests that hypothyroidism may trigger apoptosis (cell death) in tumours. Yet another idea is that DNA methylation, which is involved in cell differentiation, may play a part (Sugimura T, Ushijama T, 2000). And there is a long-standing impression that psychological states influence the functioning of the immune system. <p> In summary, then, while the mechanisms of spontaneous remission are by no means fully understood, there are plausible suggestions to explain the phenomenon."</p><p><a href="http://www.acampbell.ukfsn.org/essays/skeptic/miraculouscures.html">http://www.acampbell.ukfsn.org/essays/skeptic/miraculouscures.html</a><br /></p><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br />For more information, visit these sites:<br /><br />Ivanhoe<br /><a href="http://www.ivanhoe.com/channels/p_channelstory.cfm?storyid=13064">http://www.ivanhoe.com/channels/p_channelstory.cfm?storyid=13064</a><br /><br />Spontaneous Remissions<br /><a href="http://www.majidali.com/remissio.htm">http://www.majidali.com/remissio.htm</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><br /><br /></span></span>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-88897294322033157562007-02-13T20:23:00.000-08:002007-02-13T20:55:04.218-08:00Some Favorite Google Answers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/Susiecrabcakes/203925675_84734c27df.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/Susiecrabcakes/203925675_84734c27df.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Breast Cancer Treatment Options</span> <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=767724">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=767724</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How a stingray barb kills people</span> <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=762521">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=762521</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Who discovered estrogen and testosterone?</span> <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=748544">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=748544</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fertility and Infertility literature</span> <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=747786">http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=747786</a>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-38997505559040377662007-02-12T12:04:00.000-08:002008-12-09T09:51:52.122-08:00Humor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cWkP7O36ft8/RdDMK0ilVnI/AAAAAAAAAAM/DRJN1_h79_8/s1600-h/Mari.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cWkP7O36ft8/RdDMK0ilVnI/AAAAAAAAAAM/DRJN1_h79_8/s320/Mari.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5030745270047299186" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" class="bodyText">In the hospital, a patient's relatives gathered in the waiting room, where their family member lay gravely ill. Finally, the doctor came in looking tired and somber. "I'm afraid I am the bearer of bad news," he said as he surveyed the worried faces. "The only hope left for your loved one at this time is a brain transplant. It's an experimental procedure, semi-risky, and you will have to pay for the brain yourselves."<br /><br />The family members sat silent as they absorbed the news. At last, someone asked, "Well, how much does a brain cost?"<br /><br />The doctor quickly responded, "$200 for a female brain, and $500 for a male brain."<br /><br />The moment turned awkward. Men in the room tried not to smile, avoiding eye contact with the women, but some actually smirked. A girl, unable to control her curiosity, blurted out the question everyone wanted to ask, "Why is the male brain so much more?"<br /><br />The doctor smiled at her childish innocence and then said, "It's a standard pricing procedure. We have to mark the female brains down, because they're used!"</span>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38866568.post-64367015811231195672007-02-11T20:49:00.000-08:002007-02-11T21:16:52.784-08:00Alström Syndrome<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/Susiecrabcakes/251655993_b5b5f15d84.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/Susiecrabcakes/251655993_b5b5f15d84.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Alström Syndrome is a very rare genetic disease, with only 431 reported cases worldwide, with more cases reported in Holland and Sweden, than the US. A child must inherit the gene from both parents to be affected, as this is an autosomal recessive </span><span class="minusOne"> inherited disorder.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Infants present with rapid back and forth motion (nystagmus) and light sensitivity (photophobia) which leads to retinal disintegration. Children gain weight, becoming obese. As they grow, most organs are affected as blindness and hearing loss sets in. Type 2 diabetes, liver and heart failure, pulmonary fibrosis and kidney failure often follow.<br /><br /></span>Hypothyroidism, scoliosis and short stature are other signs of Alström Syndrome<br /><br />From the Alström Syndrome International web site:<br /><h4 style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">The following manifestations are observed in most Alström Syndrome cases:</h4> <ul style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);" type="disc"><li>nystagmus and photodysphoria in early infancy </li><li>progressive pigmentary retinopathy (cone-rod dystrophy) leading to blindness </li><li>childhood obesity, often moderating to high-normal weight in adulthood </li><li>mild to moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss </li><li>congestive heart failure secondary to dilated cardiomyopathy in infancy or early adulthood </li><li>normal extremities / absence of polydactyly or syndactyly </li><li>hyperinsulinemia / insulin resistance </li><li>non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (Type 2 diabetes or NIDDM) developing in early adulthood </li><li>progressive chronic nephropathy that presents as tubular dysfunction </li><li>normal intelligence with some reports of delayed early developmental milestones</li></ul><a href="http://www.jax.org/alstrom/documents/clinical_features.html">http://www.jax.org/alstrom/documents/clinical_features.html</a><br /><br />For additional information, visit this Medline site:<br /><a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001665.htm">http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001665.htm</a><br /><br /><br /><h1 style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span></h1> <h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span></h3> <h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></h3>Crabcakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223953507476261596noreply@blogger.com1